Gone Without a Trace

[Starburst]

I made an article on boredom busters to if you want to check that out! Boredom busters are a good idea!

I’ll check it out!

 

[Starburst]

If you don't already, you could add things into the run to make them or you happy. A bale of straw for them to scratch around, some new logs to jump up on and then move them around so that they can get the grubs, homemade or bought scratch blocks, etc.

Thanks! Currently gathering some ideas for them to have fun!

 

[Weeg]

I have coyotes, weasels, hawks, eagles, owls, bears, Mountain Lions, and others like that. I agree, I wouldn’t want to kill the predator, it was just trying to eat. Though I really wish it hadn’t taken my girl, it was just trying to eat, and it shouldn't be punished for my own mistake.

Oh good, I am glad you have this mind set. I have seen other on her with opposite opinions and mean ways of killing that I didn't agree with.

 

[Weeg]

I’ll check it out!

You can find it on my profile, or I can get you a link!

 

[Ann With A Plan]

Yes, I do have a run, it’s about 800 square ft, a little less, for my eight (It’s seven now, I guess. ) hens. Despite the large size, I couldn’t resist letting them be free.

So sorry to hear all that. From hearing about all those who had lost their feathered friends I fortified the coop and made the fencing 6' high. I might electrify the fence in the future, too.

 

[cmom]

So sorry for your loss but it appears your girl was taken by a predator. If you have a game camera, put it up. Most likely the predator that got your girl has been lurking looking for an opportunity and found one and will be back and then you will know for sure what you are dealing with. I don't free range any more due to losses in the past. Sad to say it's a risk when you free range. When my most favorite bird was taken by a fox during the middle of the day I cried like a baby and still think to myself if only I had put her in her pen while I was distracted. I did catch and eliminate the fox. My birds all have nice large pens. I have electric wires around my pens, good heavy duty netting covering the pens and concrete under the gates. Nothing gets past the electric wires. Now when I open the gates to the pens the birds may come out but only briefly and before I know it they're all back in their pens. I think they feel safer but my land is mostly open pasture. Now and then I do put flock blocks in their pens under their rain/shade tables. chicken like to peck at things so it keeps them occupied. Good luck...

 

[Lovem all]

I am so sorry that this happened to your baby. I can understand how you feel. Watch out for the others, the bad guy is still at large.

 

[Starburst]

Thank you everyone for your comforting words and advice. This morning when I went to let the chickens out of their coop into the run, I saw a hawk sitting in the branches of a tree nearby, watching the coop intently. Do you think a hawk could have been the predator that took little Boba?

 

[TwoCrows]

Oh I am SO sorry you lost your Boba this way @Starburst losing them to predators is the worst. The not knowing is difficult on the heart. Sending you all the comfort possible here, I hope your heavy heart heals soon. She knows how much you love her and she will always be at your side.

 

[hayley3]

Thank you everyone for your comforting words and advice. This morning when I went to let the chickens out of their coop into the run, I saw a hawk sitting in the branches of a tree nearby, watching the coop intently. Do you think a hawk could have been the predator that took little Boba?

When a hawk got my very small Polish chicken, the hawk landed on her and killed her on the spot. Normally if the chicken is missing, it was a canine, most likely fox.
I have seen a hawk pick up a rabbit so I guess it depends on how big the hawk is in relation to the prey.
So sorry about your baby.